Our candidate is lementing his loss in the primary election.
It just goes to show that no matter how articulate, how well spoke, or how many good and logical ideas you have, people will still vote for empty platitudes.
Election totals broke down like this:
CITY COUNCIL
Toy 8,888
Pastor 6,631
Robinson 4,730
King 4,312
Kritzman 4,102
Nash 3,836
Schwartz 2,942
Neville 2,737
Matthews 1,538
McGrail 1,523
Martin 1,447
Tom Buck 741
Richard J. Smith 660
Thank you for the support that everyone showed me. In comparision to my first run 2 years ago, I have doubled my amount of votes. Unfortunately with a field of 13 candidates it was tough to get one of the 8 spots. I wish I had placed better for you the voters so that your support wasn't wasted. I feel that I have let all of you down. Just know that I'm already making plans for 2013 and hopefully I'll do better. Thanks again for your encouragement and support.
Speramus Meliora
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Democracity.org voter's guide
We would like to thank Adam Kleven and Democracity.org for including our candidate in their voter's guide. Please feel free to check out their questions and Mr. McGrail's answers at the following links:
http://www.democracity.org/
http://www.democracity.org/
If anyone has any comments or questions, please feel free to email us at:
Thank you for your continued support.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Voters Guide for Livonia City Council
Attached below you will find a link to the Voters Guide for Livonia City Council. Feel free to review my comments and answers. Thank you for your support.
http://www.hometownlife.com/news/ss/councilgrid.pdf?odyssey=mod%7Cdnmiss%7Cumbrella%7C1
http://www.hometownlife.com/news/ss/councilgrid.pdf?odyssey=mod%7Cdnmiss%7Cumbrella%7C1
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Livonia needs better fiscal accountability
I am just beside myself. I have been doing some research into the proposed 1.7 mils millage that the City of Livonia police and fire have been pushing that will be on the August ballot. They are claiming financial hardship and that they need more money otherwise the city's police department will suffer because of a budget shortfall. However they have never stated what the extra money will be used for or what they intend to buy. So that really concerned me.
Now I come to find that the PD spent early this year over 300, 000 dollars on renovating their firing range. Ordinarily this wouldn't upset me but I also found documents on line that show the police already renovated the same firing range 9 years ago to be state of the art to the tune of 381, 000 dollars. I don't think the LPD need more money, I think they need a financial advisor to tell them how and what to spend their money on. Unbelievable that in this economic climate they are spending money like there is no tomorrow.
Now I come to find that the PD spent early this year over 300, 000 dollars on renovating their firing range. Ordinarily this wouldn't upset me but I also found documents on line that show the police already renovated the same firing range 9 years ago to be state of the art to the tune of 381, 000 dollars. I don't think the LPD need more money, I think they need a financial advisor to tell them how and what to spend their money on. Unbelievable that in this economic climate they are spending money like there is no tomorrow.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
LIvonia Observer endorses McGrail
Livonia voters will elect four City Council members this year.
They will choose four on their ballots out of 13 candidates during the primary election Aug. 2. They will then choose among the eight top vote-getters from the primary election during the general election Nov. 8. The top four vote-getters in that race will be elected. The top three finishers will serve four-year terms; the fourth will serve a two-year term.
While voters will only be able to choose four candidates in each election, we have recommended eight for the primary since that is the number that will advance to the general.
We think voters should choose candidates who are knowledgeable about the issues and legislative process, among other strengths.
That is why for the primary, we recommend former City Council candidate Lucas McGrail.
We've heard the criticisms: Livonia City Council is like musical chairs with the same few people getting elected over and over, many of them longtime politicians who have served at the state level as well.
We've heard the questions, and they're legitimate ones: Why doesn't the city have real “term limits”? How can the same old people be expected to solve the same old problems if they haven't already done so? Won't someone new bring a fresh perspective?
Fresh perspectives are helpful, but there is a steep learning curve for anyone new who gets elected. There's a lot to be said for knowledge, both of the issues and the process. We think that knowledge is critical during these times of tight budgets.
McGrail is a creative thinker with an architectural background who has had a sustained interest in serving on council. He ran for council two years ago and is a frequent lecturer on historical buildings at the senior center. He has ideas for revitalizing Livonia's older building stock.
For the entire article, use the link below:
http://www.hometownlife.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2011107140453
They will choose four on their ballots out of 13 candidates during the primary election Aug. 2. They will then choose among the eight top vote-getters from the primary election during the general election Nov. 8. The top four vote-getters in that race will be elected. The top three finishers will serve four-year terms; the fourth will serve a two-year term.
While voters will only be able to choose four candidates in each election, we have recommended eight for the primary since that is the number that will advance to the general.
We think voters should choose candidates who are knowledgeable about the issues and legislative process, among other strengths.
That is why for the primary, we recommend former City Council candidate Lucas McGrail.
We've heard the criticisms: Livonia City Council is like musical chairs with the same few people getting elected over and over, many of them longtime politicians who have served at the state level as well.
We've heard the questions, and they're legitimate ones: Why doesn't the city have real “term limits”? How can the same old people be expected to solve the same old problems if they haven't already done so? Won't someone new bring a fresh perspective?
Fresh perspectives are helpful, but there is a steep learning curve for anyone new who gets elected. There's a lot to be said for knowledge, both of the issues and the process. We think that knowledge is critical during these times of tight budgets.
McGrail is a creative thinker with an architectural background who has had a sustained interest in serving on council. He ran for council two years ago and is a frequent lecturer on historical buildings at the senior center. He has ideas for revitalizing Livonia's older building stock.
For the entire article, use the link below:
http://www.hometownlife.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2011107140453
Livonia Chamber of Commerce video
2011 Livonia City Council Candidates
In the Livonia primary election on Tuesday, August 2, 2011, voters will be asked to vote for up to four people among 13 candidates running for seats on the Livonia City Council. The top eight vote-getters in the primary election will advance to the general election on Tuesday, November 8, 2011. In the general election, the top three vote-getters will earn four-year terms on the Council. The fourth-place finisher will earn a two-year term on the Council.
The Livonia Chamber of Commerce asked Candidate McGrail to participate in a video recording in which he was given up to three-minutes to introduce himself and answer four specific questions prepared by the Chamber’s Government Affairs Committee. This video clip is his response. The Livonia Chamber of Commerce does not make candidate endorsements.
Our candidate was asked to address the following questions:
1. What makes you uniquely qualified to serve on the Livonia City Council?
2. What is the biggest issue you are hearing within the business community, and how do you intend to address that issues
3. If the proposed public safety and senior center millages fail, what would you do to address the projected $6.2 million shortfall in the city’s 2012 fiscal year budget?
4. How can the city further enhance partnerships with school districts and other communities to consolidate programs and adjust to budget shortages?
Please click on the link to view his responses.
http://www.livonia.org/candidate_videos/lucasmcgrail.asp
In the Livonia primary election on Tuesday, August 2, 2011, voters will be asked to vote for up to four people among 13 candidates running for seats on the Livonia City Council. The top eight vote-getters in the primary election will advance to the general election on Tuesday, November 8, 2011. In the general election, the top three vote-getters will earn four-year terms on the Council. The fourth-place finisher will earn a two-year term on the Council.
The Livonia Chamber of Commerce asked Candidate McGrail to participate in a video recording in which he was given up to three-minutes to introduce himself and answer four specific questions prepared by the Chamber’s Government Affairs Committee. This video clip is his response. The Livonia Chamber of Commerce does not make candidate endorsements.
Our candidate was asked to address the following questions:
1. What makes you uniquely qualified to serve on the Livonia City Council?
2. What is the biggest issue you are hearing within the business community, and how do you intend to address that issues
3. If the proposed public safety and senior center millages fail, what would you do to address the projected $6.2 million shortfall in the city’s 2012 fiscal year budget?
4. How can the city further enhance partnerships with school districts and other communities to consolidate programs and adjust to budget shortages?
Please click on the link to view his responses.
http://www.livonia.org/candidate_videos/lucasmcgrail.asp
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Want to support the campaign? Donate now.
Greetings to all of my supporters.
As you are all aware, in any race for public office, there are two things that drive the engine of victory... communication and resources. Currently, we have an excellent communication system in place but that isn't enough these days. We also need resources. In this race, resources are only available to those with adequate funding. I very much want to be your next member of city council but without proper funding, it will be a very difficult and uphill battle. I know that times are tough right now because of the economy but every little bit can help in this fight for Livonia's future. I ask that if you are looking for fresh ideas, strong goals and
21st century thinking for Livonia, then please contribute. We are asking for 5, 10 or 20 dollar donations but any amount can help. Please use the link below which will take you to PayPal.com, there you will find a donation site set up for the campaign. Payments can be made by e-check, credit or debit cards or by direct bank transfer, all of which are secure and private.
Thank you for your continued support. Speramus Meliora.
https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=8352803
As you are all aware, in any race for public office, there are two things that drive the engine of victory... communication and resources. Currently, we have an excellent communication system in place but that isn't enough these days. We also need resources. In this race, resources are only available to those with adequate funding. I very much want to be your next member of city council but without proper funding, it will be a very difficult and uphill battle. I know that times are tough right now because of the economy but every little bit can help in this fight for Livonia's future. I ask that if you are looking for fresh ideas, strong goals and
21st century thinking for Livonia, then please contribute. We are asking for 5, 10 or 20 dollar donations but any amount can help. Please use the link below which will take you to PayPal.com, there you will find a donation site set up for the campaign. Payments can be made by e-check, credit or debit cards or by direct bank transfer, all of which are secure and private.
Thank you for your continued support. Speramus Meliora.
https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=8352803
Chamber of Commerce Interview
I would like to thank the Livonia Chamber of Commerce for the opportunity to participate in their candidate video interview process. Below you will find the questions and my responses. When they are posted on the CofC's website, I will make sure to post a link. Thank you for your continued interest and support.
Speramus Meliora.
What makes you uniquely qualified to serve on the Livonia City Council? - My career has given me a unique set of skills and knowledge that I feel obligated to use to help people and our city. Being your next city council member would allow me to fulfill that obligation and serve many people. With the city building skills and tools that I have professionally used in the architectural and construction industries, I will be able to inform our community of Livonia in a positive manner and sheppard our city to be an example to other communities and lead the way in to the 21st century.
What is the biggest issue you are hearing within the business community and how to you intend to address that issue? – The issues I am hearing from the business community are that there is a lack of tax incentives and lack of low interest loans for smaller businesses to open and occupy vacant structures. There is also a lack of tax incentives for committed, well-established businesses within our city to invest and modernize. There has been noted by our businesses an inconsistent level of treatment by city officials related to renovations, building inspection and signage. I would address these issues by proposing and supporting a façade and infrastructure improvement program using the Plymouth Rd corridor as a test model, then expand on that concept. I would also meet with officials from relevant departments to discuss parity of enforcement for all businesses.
If the proposed public safety and senior center millages fail, what would you do to address the projected $6.2 million shortfall in the city's 2012 fiscal year budget? – I would address the projected shortfall by looking at ways of saving operating costs and of generating revenue. Ways of saving costs would be to eliminate city-owned and maintained cars for executive level members of the city government. I would propose an in-depth audit of all city departments to investigate physical and procedural inefficiency as well as the investigation and absorption of redundant tasks and services being performed by multiple agencies. I would expand the current procurement process to have city departments work with other departments when procuring materials. Additionally, Livonia departments would explore working with neighboring cities when procuring necessary materials or hardware so that Livonia can gain a pricing advantage. Regarding ways of generating revenue, I would propose a study to determine the feasibility of opening the Livonia Police firing range to Livonia residents as well as additional neighboring police departments and charging a related access fee. I would also propose a study to determine the feasibility of privatizing the operation, not ownership, of the three City of Livonia golf course as both a cost saver and revenue generator.
How can the city further enhance partnerships with school districts & other communities to consolidate programs and adjust to budget shortages? – We can work on creating a cross-community arts program (akin to the Plymouth-Canton school model); so that Livonia could pool resources to ensure that children who are artistically inclined can have access to the appropriate programs without fear of them being cut. I would also call on the LPS to examine their food procurement procedures to determine if they are capable of saving money by purchasing goods from local vendors, suppliers and farmers that are based in or around Livonia.
Speramus Meliora.
What makes you uniquely qualified to serve on the Livonia City Council? - My career has given me a unique set of skills and knowledge that I feel obligated to use to help people and our city. Being your next city council member would allow me to fulfill that obligation and serve many people. With the city building skills and tools that I have professionally used in the architectural and construction industries, I will be able to inform our community of Livonia in a positive manner and sheppard our city to be an example to other communities and lead the way in to the 21st century.
What is the biggest issue you are hearing within the business community and how to you intend to address that issue? – The issues I am hearing from the business community are that there is a lack of tax incentives and lack of low interest loans for smaller businesses to open and occupy vacant structures. There is also a lack of tax incentives for committed, well-established businesses within our city to invest and modernize. There has been noted by our businesses an inconsistent level of treatment by city officials related to renovations, building inspection and signage. I would address these issues by proposing and supporting a façade and infrastructure improvement program using the Plymouth Rd corridor as a test model, then expand on that concept. I would also meet with officials from relevant departments to discuss parity of enforcement for all businesses.
If the proposed public safety and senior center millages fail, what would you do to address the projected $6.2 million shortfall in the city's 2012 fiscal year budget? – I would address the projected shortfall by looking at ways of saving operating costs and of generating revenue. Ways of saving costs would be to eliminate city-owned and maintained cars for executive level members of the city government. I would propose an in-depth audit of all city departments to investigate physical and procedural inefficiency as well as the investigation and absorption of redundant tasks and services being performed by multiple agencies. I would expand the current procurement process to have city departments work with other departments when procuring materials. Additionally, Livonia departments would explore working with neighboring cities when procuring necessary materials or hardware so that Livonia can gain a pricing advantage. Regarding ways of generating revenue, I would propose a study to determine the feasibility of opening the Livonia Police firing range to Livonia residents as well as additional neighboring police departments and charging a related access fee. I would also propose a study to determine the feasibility of privatizing the operation, not ownership, of the three City of Livonia golf course as both a cost saver and revenue generator.
How can the city further enhance partnerships with school districts & other communities to consolidate programs and adjust to budget shortages? – We can work on creating a cross-community arts program (akin to the Plymouth-Canton school model); so that Livonia could pool resources to ensure that children who are artistically inclined can have access to the appropriate programs without fear of them being cut. I would also call on the LPS to examine their food procurement procedures to determine if they are capable of saving money by purchasing goods from local vendors, suppliers and farmers that are based in or around Livonia.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
League of Women voters forum article
http://www.hometownlife.com/article/20110612/NEWS10/106120500/Candidates-debate-millages-pot?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CLivonia%7Cs
Use this link to read about the LWV's forum for 11 of the 13 city council canidates.
Use this link to read about the LWV's forum for 11 of the 13 city council canidates.
Friday, May 13, 2011
Official Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Lucas C. McGrail, Assoc AIA
Old Rosedale Gardens
9611 Cranston Ave
Livonia, MI 48150
Phone: 734-367-9028
electMcGrail@yahoo.com
Architect Offers Experience and Expertise for Livonia City Council and the Future of Livonia.
Livonia, MI – 13 May 2011 -- Before you cast your vote, please pause and consider a fresh and new perspective for the office of Livonia City Council, Lucas McGrail, Associate AIA. Whether you are a conservative or liberal voter, Mr. McGrail believes that a city can only grow and move forward by doing so together. McGrail believes that “The health, safety, welfare and well-being of city is not about being on the left or right, it's about doing right.”
No novice to the structure of city politics or to what is required to build and grow a community, Lucas McGrail has 11 years of professional experience in architecture, design, construction administration and project management. His experience in the architectural community and construction industry has allowed him to develop a vast array of tools and skills that will allow him to contribute to the community in a positive manner.
According to Lucas, "The question I get asked most often is, 'Why do I want to be on the city council?' In my career, it is my responsibility to work with all levels of city officials, professionals, individuals and citizen groups. It is also my responsibility to ensure that the best possible solutions are presented and implemented so that the interest of the project and the community are protected. My professional philosophy has always been that if architecture doesn't work for people, then it doesn't matter how many awards it wins, it doesn't work at all. Government should be seen the same way. If it doesn't work for people, then it doesn't work at all.” Mr. McGrail has also stated that “Government is supposed to be an instrument of good; a place where people pull together, especially in difficult times. In order for a city to grow and move forward, we have to pull together, otherwise we will pull apart.”
Mr. McGrail has served as the Construction Administration Leader for one of the 25 largest architecture firms in the world. He also has worked for the largest general contractor in the state of Michigan. He has been a traveling lecturer on American architecture and city planning, as well as a guest lecturer and jurist for Lawrence Technological University. He has been a regular scheduled lecturer at the Livonia Senior Center, Westland Friendship Center, several retirement communities & private organizations in Southeastern Michigan and, most recently, Schoolcraft College. He has been interviewed by several print and television media outlets, such as the LA Times, Hour Magazine, Metro Times, Travel and Leisure, and WUOM public radio as an expert on architecture, adaptive reuse, historical preservation, and city planning. Lucas McGrail has a bachelor’s degree of Architecture from the University of Detroit Mercy, is an associate member in good standing of the American Institute of Architects and an accredited professional with the US Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design program.
Accessibility and openness is a unique and important aspect of Mr. McGrail's campaign. He is available at any time to discuss his views and his short and long-term goals for Livonia. He uses logic, honesty and reason to solve complex and difficult issues.
For information: email electMcGrail@yahoo.com
Contact: Lucas C. McGrail, Assoc AIA
Old Rosedale Gardens
9611 Cranston Ave
Livonia, MI 48150
Phone: 734-367-9028
electMcGrail@yahoo.com
Architect Offers Experience and Expertise for Livonia City Council and the Future of Livonia.
Livonia, MI – 13 May 2011 -- Before you cast your vote, please pause and consider a fresh and new perspective for the office of Livonia City Council, Lucas McGrail, Associate AIA. Whether you are a conservative or liberal voter, Mr. McGrail believes that a city can only grow and move forward by doing so together. McGrail believes that “The health, safety, welfare and well-being of city is not about being on the left or right, it's about doing right.”
No novice to the structure of city politics or to what is required to build and grow a community, Lucas McGrail has 11 years of professional experience in architecture, design, construction administration and project management. His experience in the architectural community and construction industry has allowed him to develop a vast array of tools and skills that will allow him to contribute to the community in a positive manner.
According to Lucas, "The question I get asked most often is, 'Why do I want to be on the city council?' In my career, it is my responsibility to work with all levels of city officials, professionals, individuals and citizen groups. It is also my responsibility to ensure that the best possible solutions are presented and implemented so that the interest of the project and the community are protected. My professional philosophy has always been that if architecture doesn't work for people, then it doesn't matter how many awards it wins, it doesn't work at all. Government should be seen the same way. If it doesn't work for people, then it doesn't work at all.” Mr. McGrail has also stated that “Government is supposed to be an instrument of good; a place where people pull together, especially in difficult times. In order for a city to grow and move forward, we have to pull together, otherwise we will pull apart.”
Mr. McGrail has served as the Construction Administration Leader for one of the 25 largest architecture firms in the world. He also has worked for the largest general contractor in the state of Michigan. He has been a traveling lecturer on American architecture and city planning, as well as a guest lecturer and jurist for Lawrence Technological University. He has been a regular scheduled lecturer at the Livonia Senior Center, Westland Friendship Center, several retirement communities & private organizations in Southeastern Michigan and, most recently, Schoolcraft College. He has been interviewed by several print and television media outlets, such as the LA Times, Hour Magazine, Metro Times, Travel and Leisure, and WUOM public radio as an expert on architecture, adaptive reuse, historical preservation, and city planning. Lucas McGrail has a bachelor’s degree of Architecture from the University of Detroit Mercy, is an associate member in good standing of the American Institute of Architects and an accredited professional with the US Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design program.
Accessibility and openness is a unique and important aspect of Mr. McGrail's campaign. He is available at any time to discuss his views and his short and long-term goals for Livonia. He uses logic, honesty and reason to solve complex and difficult issues.
For information: email electMcGrail@yahoo.com
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Candidate McGrail at the Livonia Chamber of Commerce
http://www.livonia.org/candidate_videos/lucasmcgrail.asp
Please feel free to copy and paste this link in to your browser and hear the candidate speak about what he would do regarding the city budget and what he can offer as a member of the Livonia City Council.
Please feel free to copy and paste this link in to your browser and hear the candidate speak about what he would do regarding the city budget and what he can offer as a member of the Livonia City Council.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Schoolcraft College welcomes Lucas McGrail
Architect, Lecturer and former Livonia City Council candidate Lucas McGrail was welcomed to Schoolcraft College on Friday, April 29th by a crowd of almost 200 people. They were present to attend his lecture on the history and evolution of the J.L. Hudson’s Department Store in downtown Detroit.
Guest were entertained by McGrail’s passion for history & architecture as were they also mesmerized by the amount of information that he had to share and the over 50 artifacts from his private collection.
Mr. McGrail’s hour long presentation was finished off by thunderous applause from the attendees and staff of the transition center. Shauna Dillard, representative for the Center, stated “this was a wonderful event, everyone had a great time and gave extremely positive feedback... it was wonderful.” Mr. McGrail hopes that this will be the start of a fantastic lecture series at Schoolcraft College and looks forward to his next engagement for the Transition Center.
Lucas McGrail has been all over Southeastern Michigan lecturing in Grosse Ile, Wyandotte, Allan Park, Detroit, Westland and especially his hometown of Livonia. His next scheduled lecture will be at the Westland Friendship Center, Friday, October 21st at 2pm. His topic will be the history and salvation of the Hotel Book Cadillac. Contact Barbara Marcum at 734.722.7628 to reserve a spot.
Mr. McGrail’s lecture schedule changes monthly so please check back to find out his latest dates.
Guest were entertained by McGrail’s passion for history & architecture as were they also mesmerized by the amount of information that he had to share and the over 50 artifacts from his private collection.
Mr. McGrail’s hour long presentation was finished off by thunderous applause from the attendees and staff of the transition center. Shauna Dillard, representative for the Center, stated “this was a wonderful event, everyone had a great time and gave extremely positive feedback... it was wonderful.” Mr. McGrail hopes that this will be the start of a fantastic lecture series at Schoolcraft College and looks forward to his next engagement for the Transition Center.
Lucas McGrail has been all over Southeastern Michigan lecturing in Grosse Ile, Wyandotte, Allan Park, Detroit, Westland and especially his hometown of Livonia. His next scheduled lecture will be at the Westland Friendship Center, Friday, October 21st at 2pm. His topic will be the history and salvation of the Hotel Book Cadillac. Contact Barbara Marcum at 734.722.7628 to reserve a spot.
Mr. McGrail’s lecture schedule changes monthly so please check back to find out his latest dates.
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